Mamelodi Sundowns defender Grant Kekana says the Brazilians are determined to make up for last season’s lack of domestic silverware when they face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final.
The anticipation is palpable as Mamelodi Sundowns prepares to clash with Orlando Pirates in what promises to be an electrifying MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium this Saturday. The stakes are particularly high for Sundowns, who are coming off a disappointing campaign last season where they ended trophy-less in domestic competitions. According to defender Grant Kekana, the Sundowns' focus is unwavering as they aim to clinch their first domestic title in two seasons.
Kekana stated in a pre-match interview,
“The mentality is that we don’t play competitions just to compete. We play them to dominate,”highlighting the team's philosophy of being top contenders rather than merely participants.
Reflecting on last season, Kekana lamented,
“Last season, unfortunately, we didn’t get anything. We didn’t win any trophies locally.”This stark reality serves as a motivator for the team as they head into a new season with fresh aspirations. Kekana emphasized their commitment to turning the page:
“This season, we’ve given ourselves a chance, especially at the start of the season when we’re still adjusting, to get a local trophy.”
The challenge for Sundowns this weekend is heightened by the weight of expectations from fans and the history that defines their illustrious club. It was a surprising turn of events last season when they struggled to make their mark, failing to secure any of the four major Premier Soccer League (PSL) trophies, including the Betway Premiership, MTN8, Carling Knockout, and the prestigious Nedbank Cup. For the first time since the 2012/13 season, Sundowns finished a campaign without a domestic title, marking an unusual low for a club accustomed to triumph.
Despite the domestic disappointments, Sundowns salvaged some pride by winning the CAF Champions League. Their MTN8 journey, however, was abruptly halted in the semi-finals by none other than their future opponents, Orlando Pirates. A situation Kekana himself acknowledges:
“We know how tough Pirates can be, especially after how the previous MTN8 ended for us last season.”
Kekana's experience in the MTN8 final weighs in his favor; he has tasted success in the tournament twice before—once with SuperSport United and most recently with Sundowns. His most cherished moment came during the 2021/22 season at the same venue, Moses Mabhida Stadium, which serves as a beacon of hope for the current squad.
“We are a team that believes we can win every match we play. We have that confidence going into this final,”Kekana asserted, underscoring the team’s determination.
Over the past two weeks, Sundowns faced an unusual challenge as 13 of their key players were away on international duty, competing for their respective national teams, including Kekana’s teammate Devine Lungu, who represented Zimbabwe. While international breaks can disrupt club training and cohesion, Kekana indicated that the time off may not have been as problematic as it sounded. He acknowledged,
“It hasn’t been particularly difficult, considering that even those who were away are part of what our style of play is about.”
He elaborated on the adjustment process, stating:
“It’s just about those who weren’t playing as regularly, adjusting and getting them on the same level as the ones who have been playing.”Fortunately for Sundowns, most of their returning players have come back enriched with invaluable experience that could prove beneficial in the upcoming final.
Social media has buzzed with excitement regarding the impending final, with fans galvanized by Sundowns' unwavering commitment to reclaiming their status as domestic champions. Commentary on platforms like Twitter reflects a mixture of optimism and cautious anticipation; one fan posted,
“We trust in our team to bring back glory!”while another observed,
“It’s all or nothing against Pirates, we must take this trophy home!”Such sentiments echo the collective hope and determination of Sundowns supporters as they stand at the precipice of a promising season.
As the final approaches, the Sundowns team, under the strategic guidance of their coaching staff, is honing in on a game plan that focuses on exploiting their opponents' weaknesses while showcasing their own strengths. There’s no denying that the team's depth includes numerous star players who can shift the momentum of a match. Kekana notes,
“We know we have the ability and depth to handle any pressure. We just need to believe in ourselves.”
With the match day finally upon them, all eyes will be on Moses Mabhida Stadium as Mamelodi Sundowns aim to seize this moment not only for themselves but for their dedicated fanbase eager to celebrate a return to glory in South African football. The thrilling prospect of ending their trophy drought looms large as they contend with traditional rivals Orlando Pirates in a match that is sure to be etched into the annals of both clubs’ histories.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!